CARRIAGE FOR A CANTILEVER SLIDABLE GATE

Abstract

 Carriage (1) for a cantilever slidable gate comprising at least one support base (2) intended to be fixed to the ground, extended at least along an extension direction (Y), at least two engagement elements (4) mounted on the support base (2) and placed one after the other along the extension direction (Y), multiple wheels (5), which are idly mounted on the engagement elements (4) and are intended to be inserted in the guide rail (102) for slidably supporting the barrier framework (101), adjustment means (6), which define multiple fixing positions along the extension direction (Y) and are configured to fix at least one engagement element (4) of the engagement elements (4) in a selected fixing position of the aforesaid fixing positions.

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a carriage for a cantilever slidable gate and a method for installing said carriage, according to the preamble of the respective independent claims. The invention is inserted in the field of production of accessories for gates, i.e. gates intended to control the access passage, vehicle-accessible or pedestrian-accessible, to a property, construction, company, building or garden.

[0002] The present carriage is advantageously intended to be installed on cantilever slidable gates even of considerable size, especially for accessing industrial buildings, or buildings with limited dimensions for residential purposes.

State of the art

[0003] Cantilever slidable gates of known type conventionally comprise a movable barrier framework, intended to be placed to at least partially close an opening (such as the entrance of a home) and carrying fixed, on the lower part, a longitudinal guide rail which is extended substantially for the entire length of the barrier framework itself. Below the guide rail, at least two carriages are usually provided whose support structure is rigidly anchored to the ground at positions spaced and aligned along the slide direction of the gate.

[0004] On the support structure of each carriage, multiple idle wheels are mounted with idle rotation axis substantially horizontal, on which the weight of the gate lies. Such wheels rotate within the guide rail of the gate in order to allow the sliding of the latter during its opening and closing movement.

[0005] More clearly, the barrier framework is moved, translating along a horizontal direction, by sliding on the idle wheels of the carriages between an open position, in which it at least partially frees the opening, and a closed position, in which it is placed as a barrier of the closure, preventing the access therein to undesired people and/or vehicles. Conventionally, the movement of the gate is obtained in an automated manner, by means of a motor and transmission means next to the gate and operatively associated with the barrier framework.

[0006] The aforesaid carriages of known type have in practice demonstrated that they do not lack drawbacks.

[0007] A first drawback is tied to the fact that an optimal installation of the carriages on the ground in order to allow the sliding of the barrier framework is particularly difficult in the case of non-uniform terrain, since it is necessary for the operator assigned for the installation to flatten the terrain.

[0008] A further drawback lies in the fact that the installation of the carriages is long and complex for the operator, since it is necessary in particular to execute, in very accurate manner, the alignment of the carriages so as to ensure a correct movement of the barrier framework of the gate.

[0009] In order to at least partially overcome the abovementioned drawbacks, a guide system was introduced on the market, provided with an elongated support base intended to be fixed to the ground and carrying mounted thereon, at its ends, two carriages that are spaced from each other and substantially aligned, each provided with idle wheels intended to be inserted in the guide rail of the gate.

[0010] Also the latter solution of known type, however, has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

[0011] The main drawback lies in the fact that the above-described system of known type is not adapted for installation on gates of different shape and size, hence requiring a plurality of models, each intended to be installed with a corresponding gate model.

[0012] The need to produce and store a great quantity of different models increases the production and management costs of the gates and of the carriages themselves.

[0013] A further drawback lies in the fact that in the case of damage of a single component of the system, in order to repair such damage, it is necessary to disassemble the entire system and substitute it with a new one, increasing the maintenance costs.

[0014] The patent application WO 2012/095650 A2 describes a gate of known type in which the foundation for the carriages comprises a support frame provided with multiple mounting sites provided with holes for fixing corresponding carriages by means of bolting. The patent application DE 3049512 A1 describes a further tube of known type provided with a lower foundation bar, on which two carriages are mounted, of which one can be fixed in different positions along the foundation bar itself.

[0015] Also the latter solutions of known type do not lack drawbacks, since they are not very versatile and hard to install, in particular due to the large sizes of the foundation elements.

Presentation of the invention

[0016] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of eliminating the drawbacks of the prior art known up to now, by providing a carriage for cantilever slidable gate and a method for installing said carriage, which allow applying the carriage in a versatile manner in different application conditions, in particular to gates with different sizes and weight.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a carriage for cantilever slidable gate, which is capable of ensuring an optimal alignment with respect to the gate movement direction, in any operating situation also on non-uniform terrain.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a carriage for cantilever slidable gate that is structurally simple, inexpensive to make and entirely reliable in operation. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for installing a carriage for a cantilever slidable gate that is quick, easy and inexpensive to actuate.

Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The technical characteristics of the present invention, according to the aforesaid objects, are clearly found in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed figures, which represent several merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

• figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cantilever slidable gate provided with the carriage, object of the present invention;
• figure 2 shows an axonometric view of the carriage, object of the present invention, in a first selected fixing position;
• figure 3 shows a front view of the carriage, object of the present invention, in the first selected fixing position;
• figure 4 shows a top plan view of the carriage, object of the present invention, in the first selected fixing position;
• figure 5 shows a side view of the carriage, object of the present invention, in its extended configuration, with idle wheels inserted within a longitudinal guide rail of the gate;
• figure 6 shows a sectional top view of the carriage, object of the present invention, made along the trace VI-VI of figure 3;
• figure 7 shows a section side view of the carriage, object of the present invention, made along the trace VII-VII of figure 3, with idle wheels inserted within a longitudinal guide rail of the gate;
• figure 8 shows an axonometric view of the carriage, object of the present invention, in a second selected fixing position;
• figure 9 shows a front view of the carriage, object of the present invention, in the second selected fixing position;
• figure 10 shows a top plan view of the carriage, object of the present invention, in the second selected fixing position;
• figure 11 shows a sectional top view of the carriage, object of the present invention, made along the trace XI-XI of figure 9;
• figure 12 shows a sectional side view of the carriage, object of the present invention, made along the trace XII-XII of figure 9, with idle wheels inserted within a longitudinal guide rail of the gate;
• figure 13 shows a sectional side view of the carriage, object of the present invention, made along the trace XIII-XIII of figure 9, with idle wheels inserted within a longitudinal guide rail of the gate;
• figures 14A-C show the present carriage with the engagement elements in corresponding different fixing positions.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0020] With reference to the enclosed figures, reference number 1 overall refers to the carriage, object of the present invention.

[0021] The present carriage 1 is intended to be applied to a gate 100 of cantilever slidable type (also termed "self-supporting" in the technical jargon of the field).

[0022] With the term gate it must be intended, without departing from the protective scope of the present patent, any one barrier, such as a door or a gate for outdoor settings, susceptible of sliding between the two provided open and closed positions in order to carry out the conventional function of control of an access passage, vehicle-accessible or pedestrian-accessible, to a property, construction, company, building or garden.

[0023] In accordance with the example of figure 1, the gate 100 is provided with a barrier framework 101, generally made of steel, movable along an advancement direction X between a closed position, in which the barrier framework 101 occupies the passage access, and an open position, in which the barrier framework 101 leaves the access passage free/open.

[0024] Preferably, the barrier framework 101 has a main extension along the advancement direction X of the gate 100, preferably horizontal, and is extended on a lying plane passing through the advancement direction X and preferably vertical. For example, such barrier framework 101 is formed by a metal frame provided with multiple uprights and crosspieces and is usually closed by darkening coverage panels or by gratings.

[0025] The gate 100 is also provided with the carriage 1, object of the present invention, which slidably supports the barrier framework 101 between the two closed and open positions along the advancement direction X. The carriage 1 is in particular intended to be placed below the barrier framework 101 and is extended along the advancement direction X. The carriage 1 is preferably intended to be placed outside of the bulk of the access passage and is placed in a position such to allow supporting the barrier framework 101 of the gate 100 in a cantilevered manner.

[0026] Preferably, for the purpose of sustaining the traction and compression stresses transmitted by the gate 100, the carriage 1 is rigidly constrained to the ground by means of a foundation thereof, for example made of concrete or cement.

[0027] The support framework 101 of the gate 100 carries, fixed to the lower part thereof, by means of welding or with mechanical couplings and/or fixing screws, a guide rail 102, preferably hollow, which is extended along the advancement direction X substantially for the entire length of the barrier framework 101 and comprises an elongated hollow section 103 within which the carriage 1 is engaged, as described in detail hereinbelow. More in detail, with reference to the examples illustrated in the enclosed figures, the hollow section 103 of the guide rail 102, preferably obtained with an aluminum or steel extrusion, is provided with an upper wall 104 and with a lower wall 105, parallel to each other and substantially horizontal, against which the carriage 1 is intended to be abutted, and with two lateral flanks 106 that are substantially vertical and placed to connect between the upper wall 104 and the lower wall 105. In particular, in the lower wall 105 of the guide rail 102, a longitudinal slit 107 is made that is substantially parallel to the advancement direction X of the gate 100, through which the carriage 1 passes in order to allow the movement of the barrier framework 101 between the open position and the closed position.

[0028] In addition, the gate 100 comprises, in per se known manner, a rack 108 fixed at the guide rail 102 and extended along the advancement direction X, preferably for the entire extension of the barrier framework 101 along such advancement direction X.

[0029] The rack 108 is placed fixed externally to the guide rail 102, in particular fixed on a lateral flank 106 of the latter, with its toothing directed downward, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figure 1.

[0030] The gate 100 also comprises actuation means (not illustrated in the enclosed figures and per se well known to the man skilled in the art) adapted to actuate, in an automated manner, the movement of the barrier framework 101 between the open position and the closed position.

[0031] As is per se known, the actuation means comprise an electric motor provided outside the barrier framework 101 and a rotary shaft coupled to the electric motor directly or by means of suitable reducers. Such rotary shaft carries, fixed thereto, a pinion mechanically connected to the rack 108 of the gate 100 so as to transmit to the latter the motion generated by the electric motor and, consequently, move the barrier framework 101 of the gate 100 between the open position and the closed position.

[0032] The carriage 1, object of the present invention, comprises a support base 2 intended to be fixed to the ground, e.g. by means of bolting on a previously-attained foundation, in particular made of concrete.

[0033] The support base 2 is extended at least along an extension direction Y intended to be substantially parallel to the advancement direction X of the barrier framework 101 of the gate 100.

[0034] Preferably, the support base 2 is made of metallic material, e.g. steel.

[0035] The carriage 1 according to the invention also comprises at least two engagement elements 4 mounted on the support base 2 and placed one after the other along the extension direction Y.

[0036] In particular, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the carriage 1 comprises two engagement elements 4 mounted on the support base 2. Otherwise, the carriage 1, object of the present invention, can comprise three or more engagement elements 4 mounted on the support base 2, without departing from the protective scope of the present patent.

[0037] The engagement elements 4 are intended to be slidably constrained to the guide rail 102 of the gate 100, in order to sustain and guide the barrier framework 101 of the gate 100. The carriage 1 also comprises multiple wheels 5, which are idly mounted on the engagement elements 4 with a first rotation axis K orthogonal to the extension direction Y of the support base 2 and preferably horizontal. Such wheels 5 are intended to be inserted in the guide rail 102 for slidably supporting the barrier framework 101.

[0038] In particular, with the term "wheel", any one sliding element can be intended, whether in roller or bearing form and whether made of plastic or metal.

[0039] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the carriage 1 comprises two series of wheels 5, each fixed to a corresponding one of the two engagement elements 4.

[0040] In particular, the wheels 5 of the carriage 1 are susceptible of abuttingly receiving the upper wall 104 of the guide rail 102 when the carriage 1 acts in abutment, or abuttingly receiving the lower wall 105 of the guide rail 102 when the carriage 1 acts under tension.

[0041] In this manner, the carriage 1, object of the present invention, supports the barrier framework 101 at two separate and aligned points along the extension direction Y, in particular at the two series of wheels 5.

[0042] Preferably, the wheels 5 are provided in pairs, in which the two wheels 5 of each pair are adjacent to each other and provided with first rotation axes K aligned with each other (transverse to the extension direction Y and in particular substantially horizontal). In particular, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the carriage 1 comprises multiple pairs of wheels 5 (e.g. four) for each engagement element 4. Of course, the carriage 1 can comprise any number of wheels 5 intended to slidably support the barrier framework 101 of the gate 100, without departing from the protective scope of the present patent.

[0043] Advantageously, the carriage 1 comprises a first plurality of wheels 5', mounted on a flank of the engagement element 4, and a second plurality of wheels 5", mounted on the opposite flank of the engagement element 4.

[0044] More in detail, the wheels 5 of the first plurality of wheels 5' are advantageously equal to the number of wheels 5 of the second plurality of wheels 5" (at least two and in particular four) and are connected to each other in pairs by means of corresponding support pins 22 inserted in corresponding through holes made on the engagement element 4.

[0045] With particular reference to the enclosed figure 13, the wheels 5 of each plurality of wheels 5', 5" are placed on the corresponding opposite flanks of the engagement element 4 and are preferably mounted on the corresponding support pin 22 by means of corresponding first ball bearings 23, preferably with suitable spacers interposed between each wheel 5 and the corresponding flank of the engagement element 4.

[0046] Preferably, the wheels 5 are placed in succession according to the extension direction Y of the support base 2.

[0047] More in detail, the multiple wheels 5 of the carriage 1 are intended to be housed within the hollow section 103 of the guide rail 102, with the engagement element 4 placed to traverse the longitudinal slit 107 of the lower wall 105.

[0048] In operation, so as to move the barrier framework 101 between its closed position and the open position, the actuation means act on the rack 108, driving it along the extension direction Y.

[0049] In this situation, the multiple wheels 5 of the carriage 1 are driven in rotation via friction by the upper and/or lower walls 104, 105 of the hollow section 103, allowing an easy sliding of the guide rail 102 during the entire movement of the barrier framework 101. According to the idea underlying the present invention, the carriage 1 comprises adjustment means 6, which define multiple fixing positions along the extension direction Y of the support base 2 and are configured to fix at least one of the engagement elements 4 in a selected fixing position, so as to be able to place two engagement elements 4 at different distances, as a function for example of the length and/or weight of the barrier framework 101 of the gate 100.

[0050] In this manner, the carriage 1, object of the present invention, allows fixing at least one of the engagement elements 4 in different fixing positions, in a manner such to be able to determine the desired distance with respect to the other engagement element 4 along the extension direction Y. In particular, the distance between the two engagement elements 4 is selected based on the type of barrier framework 101 of the gate 100, and in particular based on the weight and on the length of the barrier framework 101 itself. Indeed, if the carriage 1, object of the present invention, is installed in a gate 100 provided with a barrier framework 101 of considerable extension along the advancement direction X and/or of considerable weight, it is possible to set the fixing position of at least one of the two engagement elements 4 in order to obtain a high distance between the latter, so as to increase the stability of the barrier framework 101. Otherwise, if the barrier framework 101 has small extension with respect to the advancement direction X, it is possible to set the fixing position of at least one of the two engagement elements 4 in order to obtain a reduced distance between the latter, so as to adapt the carriage 1 to the dimensions of the gate and decrease the bulk of the carriage 1 itself.

[0051] The carriage 1, object of the present invention, is therefore advantageously usable in a versatile manner in different application situations and in particular with gates 100 provided with different barrier framework 101 models, in particular provided with different weight and extension.

[0052] In the present discussion, with the indication that the engagement element 4 is "fixed" by means of the adjustment means 6, in the selected fixing position, it is intended that the adjustment means constrain the engagement element 4 to the support base 2, preventing the engagement element 4 from completing, with respect to the support base 2, translation movements along the extension direction Y, and in particular preventing any translation movement. It is nevertheless possible, in accordance in particular with the examples described in detail hereinbelow, that at least one part of the engagement element 4 can oscillate around an axis thereof so as to be adapted to the tilt assumed by the barrier frame 101 in its different positions along the advancement direction X.

[0053] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, both the coupling elements 4 are fixable in different fixing positions defined by the adjustment means 6 along the extension direction Y of the support base 2. Advantageously, the adjustment means 6 comprise at least one guide 3 arranged on the support base 2 and extended along the extension direction Y. Along such guide 3, the engagement element 4 is slidably constrained in order to be placed in the aforesaid fixing positions.

[0054] In addition, the adjustment means 6 comprise at least one fixing element 14 engaged with the engagement element 4 and with the support base 2 in order to fix the engagement element 4 in the selected fixing position.

[0055] As described in detail hereinbelow, the fixing element 14 for example comprises a locking pin 9, such as in particular a bolt or a rivet.

[0056] Otherwise, the fixing element 14 can provide for a welding, so as to fix the engagement element 4 to the support base 2 in a removable manner.

[0057] Suitably, at least two fixing elements 14 are provided, engaged with the elongated arm 8 of the engagement element 4 and spaced one from the other along the extension direction Y of the support base 2.

[0058] Advantageously, the support base 2 comprises a bottom portion 15 intended to be fixed to the ground. For such purpose, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the bottom portion 15 is provided with slots 18 intended to be traversed by screws (not illustrated) for fixing the support base 2 by means of bolting, for example on the concrete foundation.

[0059] The support base 2 advantageously also comprises at least one lateral side 7 extended at the top part projecting from the bottom portion 15 and extended along the extension direction Y defining laterally the guide 3.

[0060] In particular, the lateral side 7 of the support base 2 is provided with a vertical flank which delimits a side of the aforesaid guide 3 and along which the engagement element 4 is susceptible of sliding.

[0061] Advantageously, the bottom portion 15 and the lateral side 7 are made of metallic material, e.g. steel, and are connected by means of connection means, such as welding beads 20, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures.

[0062] Preferably, the support base 2 comprises two aforesaid lateral sides 7 placed parallel and adjacent to each other. The two lateral sides 7 are placed spaced from each other (along a direction parallel to the first rotation axis K of the wheels 5) delimiting between them the guide 3, which in this manner is substantially defined as a seat or a slit in which the engagement element 4 is slidably inserted.

[0063] Advantageously, each lateral side 7 of the support base 2 is extended between a lower end, fixed to the bottom portion 15, and a free upper end.

[0064] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the guide 3 of the support base 2 is at the top part open (in particular at the free upper ends of the lateral sides 7) in order to allow an easy arrangement of the engagement elements 4 at its interior.

[0065] Otherwise, in accordance with a further embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the seat 3 of the support base 2 is delimited at the top part by an upper wall placed to connect the lateral sides 7, opposite and raised with respect to the bottom portion 15, in order to improve the mechanical seal of the at least one engagement element 4 housed in the seat 3.

[0066] Advantageously, the guide 3 is extended along the extension direction Y between two opposite ends 19 defined in particular by corresponding end edges of the lateral sides 7. Preferably, the guide 3 is provided at at least one of its ends 19 (and in particular at both ends) with an opening 12 which is traversed by the corresponding engagement element 4 in at least one of the fixing positions, in a manner such that the engagement element 4, in such fixing position, is partially extended outside the guide 3 beyond the end 19. Advantageously, the engagement elements 4 are both slidably constrained to the guide 3 and both fixed in corresponding fixing positions by means of corresponding fixing elements 14.

[0067] In this manner, it is possible to vary the relative position of both the engagement elements 4 along the extension direction Y, increasing the possible configurations of the carriage 1 and, in particular, duplicating the possible fixing positions and therefore duplicating the possible relative distances between the two engagement elements 4 with respect to the extension direction Y itself.

[0068] The engagement element 4 comprises an elongated arm 8 extended mainly along the extension direction Y and slidably constrained to the guide 3.

[0069] In particular, the elongated arm 8 is placed between the two lateral sides 7, advantageously abutting against the bottom portion 15 of the support base 2.

[0070] Preferably, the width of the guide 3, defined by the distance between the lateral sides 7, is substantially the same size as the width of the engagement element 4, and in particular of the elongated arm 8 of the latter, leaving a clearance between the lateral sides 7 and the engagement element 4 which allows sliding the latter along the guide 3 between the lateral sides 7 in order to place it in the desired fixing position.

[0071] Suitably, the elongated arm 8 has substantially plate-like form (in particular with vertical lying plane) and is advantageously made of metallic material, e.g. steel.

[0072] The elongated arm 8 of the engagement element 4 is extended between a first end 16 placed in the guide 3 and an opposite second end 17 which is placed outside of the guide 3, beyond the corresponding end 19 of the latter. At the second end 17 of the elongated arm 8, the corresponding wheels 5 are positioned, which are therefore also placed outside the guide 3 beyond the corresponding end 19 of the latter.

[0073] In this manner, when the engagement element 4 is in the fixing positions, its elongated arm 8 is extended (beyond the corresponding end 19 of the guide 3) substantially as an extension of the support base 2, thus allowing adjusting the distance between the two engagement elements 4, maintaining limited dimensions of the support base 2. In particular, by employing a limited length of the support base 2, it is possible to adjust the distance between the engagement elements 4 for gates of different sizes, without installation problems tied to the arrangement of large foundations for the carriage 1.

[0074] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the two openings 12 of the guide 3 are each traversed by the elongated arm 8 of the corresponding engagement elements 4 in at least one of the fixing positions. Advantageously, the two elongated arms 8 of the two engagement elements 4 are extended mainly along the extension direction Y and project from the guide 3, traversing the two opposite openings 12, terminating with the corresponding second end 17 outside the guide 3.

[0075] Preferably, the elongated arm 8 is extended outside the guide 9 as an extension of the support base 2 according to the extension direction Y of the latter, starting from the corresponding end 19 of the guide 9 itself.

[0076] In particular, in at least one of the fixing positions, the elongated arm 8 is extended outside of the guide 9 (beyond the corresponding end 19 of the latter) for a corresponding external section thereof which is extended, along such elongated arm 8, from the second end 17 of the latter to the corresponding end 19 of the guide 3. Advantageously, the engagement element 4 comprises a terminal body 21 rotatably constrained to the elongated arm 8 at the second end 17, in particular by means of a rotation pin 24, and carrying the corresponding wheels 5 mounted thereon.

[0077] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the terminal body 21 is hinged to the corresponding elongated arm 8 in order to rotate around a second rotation axis W substantially orthogonal to the extension direction Y, preferably parallel to first rotation axis K of the at least one wheel 5 and in particular substantially horizontal.

[0078] In this manner, the terminal body 21 (which carries the wheels 5 mounted thereon) is susceptible of oscillating around the second rotation axis W in order to be adapted to the position of the barrier framework 101.

[0079] Advantageously, the terminal body 21 has substantially flattened shape and is advantageously provided with connection holes in which the support pins 22 of the wheels 5 are inserted and/or with a hinge hole in which the rotation pin 24 which constrains the terminal body 21 to the corresponding elongated arm 8 is inserted.

[0080] In particular, the terminal 21 of each engagement element 4 is provided with a lower portion pivoted to the second end 17 of the corresponding elongated arm 8 by means of the rotation pin 24 and an upper portion, preferably with length (according to the extension direction Y) greater than the lower base and carrying, mounted thereon, the first and the second plurality of wheels 5', 5".

[0081] Preferably, the terminal body 21 comprises two lateral walls 21' spaced from each other, between which the second end 17 of the elongated arm 8 is inserted. In particular, the two lateral walls 21', at the upper portion of the terminal body 21, are connected to each other by means of a connection portion 21", and at the lower portion of the terminal body 21, delimit a passage opening traversed by the elongated arm 8. Preferably, the terminal body 21 is made of metal, for example by means of one or more metal plates, e.g. with a single metal plate as in the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures.

[0082] Advantageously, the adjustment means 6 are provided with at least one positioning opening 10 made in the support base 2 and/or in the engagement element 4, and extended along the extension direction Y. Within positioning opening 10, the fixing positions are defined, with which the engagement element 4 can be fixed.

[0083] In addition, the fixing elements 14 comprise one or more locking pins 9 engaged in the positioning opening 10 at the selected fixing position in order to fix the engagement element 4 in such fixing position.

[0084] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the positioning opening 10 is formed by a succession of positioning holes 10' (made on the support base 2 and/or on the engagement element 4) aligned with respect to each other along the extension direction Y and defining the corresponding fixing positions.

[0085] In particular, the distance between each positioning hole 10' and the the next defines the pitch between each fixing position. The locking pin 9 is engaged in one selected of the positioning holes 10' in order to fix the engagement element 4 in the corresponding fixing position.

[0086] In accordance with a different non-illustrated embodiment, the positioning opening 10 is extended in a continuous manner between two opposite ends with form elongated according to the extension direction Y, in a manner such that the locking pin 9 can be inserted along such positioning opening 10 in the desired fixing position.

[0087] The aforesaid positioning opening 10 (and the corresponding succession of positioning holes 10') can be made only on the support base 2 or only on the engagement element 4, or on both.

[0088] Preferably, the positioning opening 10, if it is made on the support base 2, is obtained on one or on both lateral sides 7 of the latter.

[0089] Suitably, the positioning opening 10, if it is made on the coupling element 4, is obtained on the elongated arm 8 of the latter.

[0090] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the positioning opening 10 (and in particular the corresponding succession of positioning holes 10') is arranged both on the support base 2 and on the coupling element 8, in a manner such that the fixing positions can be defined by selecting, both on the support base 2 and on the coupling element 8, the position along the positioning opening 10 (or the positioning hole 10') in which the locking pin 9 is inserted.

[0091] In accordance with different non-illustrated embodiments, in which the positioning opening 10 is made only on the support base 2 or only on the engagement element 4, the other component of these two is advantageously provided with an engagement hole aligned with the positioning opening 10 and traversed by the locking pin 9 in a manner such that the latter is engaged both with the support base 2 and with the engagement element 4.

[0092] With reference to the example illustrated in the enclosed figures, the positioning holes 10' are perimetrically closed (e.g. with circular shape), but of course they can also have an open edge, e.g. on the free upper end of the lateral side or on a longitudinal edge of the elongated arm 8.

[0093] Preferably, the locking pin 9 comprises a bolt, in particular provided with a screw having the stem inserted in the selected positioning hole 10'. In particular, the head of the screw abuts against one of the lateral sides 7 of the support base and the stem exits from the other lateral side 7 and is screwed to a bolt which abuts against the latter lateral side 7.

[0094] Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for installing a cantilever slidable carriage of the type described up to now, regarding which the same reference numbers will be maintained for the sake of description simplicity.

[0095] The method, object of the present invention, comprises at least the operating steps described hereinbelow.

[0096] The method first provides for a step for anchoring the support base 2 on the ground.

[0097] Such step for anchoring the support base 2 preferably provides for fixing the support base 2 itself in a manner such that the extension direction Y of the seat 3 is substantially horizontal, in order to allow an optimal movement of the barrier framework 101 of the gate 100.

[0098] The method also provides for a step of arranging the engagement elements 4 on the support base 2. Of course, such arranging step can be executed before or after the aforesaid step for anchoring the support base 2.

[0099] More in detail, the arranging step provides for inserting the elongated arm 8 of the engagement elements 4 within the seat 3 of the support base 2.

[0100] According to the idea underlying the present invention, the method also comprises a step for adjusting the distance between the engagement elements 4 along the extension direction Y.

[0101] Such adjusting step provides that at least one of the engagement elements 4 is positioned in a selected fixing position of the fixing positions of the adjustment means 6, with the second end 17 of the elongated arm 8 placed outside the guide 3 beyond the corresponding end 19 of the latter.

[0102] Subsequently, the adjusting step provides that the other of the at least two engagement elements 4 is fixed to the support base 2 in the selected fixing position along the extension direction Y.

[0103] In particular, the adjusting step provides for aligning the selected positioning hole 10' of the lateral side 7 of the support base 2 with the selected positioning hole 10' of the elongated arm 8 of the engagement elements 4.

[0104] Subsequently, the adjusting step provides for inserting, in the selected positioning hole 10', the locking pin 9 of the adjustment means 6, which is adapted to constrain the elongated arm 8 of the engagement element 4 to the support base 2.

[0105] In this manner, the method allows fixing the engagement elements 4 at the desired relative distance, on the basis of the model of barrier framework 101 of the gate 100. The invention thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Claims

1. Carriage (1) for a cantilever slidable gate, such gate (100) being of the type provided with a guide rail (102) fixed to a barrier framework (101) and extended longitudinally according to an advancement direction (X),
said carriage (1) comprising:

- at least one support base (2) intended to be fixed to the ground, extended at least along an extension direction (Y) intended to be substantially parallel to said advancement direction (X);

- at least two engagement elements (4) mounted on said support base (2) and placed one after the other along said extension direction (Y);

- multiple wheels (5), which are idly mounted on said engagement elements (4) and they are intended to be inserted into said guide rail (102) for slidably supporting said barrier framework (101);

- adjustment means (6), which define multiple fixing positions along said extension direction (Y) and they are configured to fix at least one engagement element (4) of said engagement elements (4) in a selected fixing position of said fixing positions;

wherein said adjustment means (6) comprise:

- at least one guide (3) arranged on said support base (2) and extended along said extension direction (Y) between two opposite ends (19), said engagement element (4) being slidably constrained along the guide (3) in order to be placed in said fixing positions;

- at least one fixing element (14) engaged with said engagement element (4) and with said support base (2) for fixing said engagement element (4) in the selected said fixing position;

wherein at least one of said at least two engagement elements (4) comprises an elongated arm (8) extended mainly along said extension direction (Y) and slidably constrained to said guide (3);
said carriage (1) being characterized in that said elongated arm (8) is extended between a first end (16) placed in said guide (3) and an opposite second end (17) which is placed outside said guide (3) beyond the corresponding said end (19) of said guide (3), and at such second end (17) is positioned at least one corresponding said wheel (5) placed beyond the corresponding said end (19) of said guide (3).

2. Carriage (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said elongated arm (8) is extended beyond the corresponding end (19) of said guide (9) as an extension of said support base (2) according to said extension direction (Y).

3. Carriage (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said guide (3) is provided, at at least one of said ends (19), with an opening (12) which is traversed by the elongated arm (8) of said engagement element (4).

4. Carriage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support base (2) comprises:

- a bottom portion (15) intended to be fixed to the ground;

- at least one lateral side (7) extended at the top part projecting from said bottom portion (15) and extended along said extension direction (Y) defining laterally said guide (3).

5. Carriage (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said support base (2) comprises two said lateral sides (7, 7') placed adjacent and spaced with respect to each other, delimiting between them said guide (3) in which said engagement element (4) is inserted.

6. Carriage (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the distance between said lateral sides (7) is substantially the same size as the width of the elongated arm (8) of said engagement element (4), leaving a clearance between said lateral sides (7) and said elongated arm (8) which allows making said elongated arm (8) slide along said guide (3) between said lateral sides (7) in order to place said elongated arm (8) in said fixing positions.

7. Carriage (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said elongated arm (8) is placed between said two lateral sides (7), abutting against the bottom portion (15) of said support base (2).

8. Carriage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each said lateral side (7) of said support base (2) is extended between a lower end, fixed to said bottom portion (15), and a free upper end; wherein said guide (3) is at the top part open at the free upper ends of said lateral sides (7).

9. Carriage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least two engagement elements (4) comprise corresponding elongated arms (8) which are both slidably constrained to said guide (3) and are fixed in corresponding said fixing positions by means of corresponding said fixing elements (14).

10. Carriage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

- said adjustment means (6) are provided with at least one positioning opening (10) obtained in said support base (2) and/or in said engagement element (4), and extended along said extension direction (Y), said fixing positions being defined in said positioning opening (10);

- said fixing elements (14) comprise at least one locking pin (9) engaged in said positioning opening (10) at one said fixing position for fixing said engagement element (4) in said fixing position.

11. Carriage (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said positioning opening (10) is provided with a succession of positioning holes (10') placed aligned with respect to each other along said extension direction (Y) and defining corresponding said fixing positions; wherein said locking pin (9) is engaged in a selected among said positioning holes (10') to fix said engagement element (4) in the corresponding said fixing position.

12. Carriage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement element (4) comprises a terminal body (21) which is rotatably constrained to said elongated arm (8) at said second end (17) and carries corresponding said wheels (5) mounted thereon.

13. Carriage (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that said terminal body (21) comprises two lateral walls (21') spaced from each other, between which the second end (17) of said elongated arm (8) is inserted; wherein said two lateral walls (21'), at an upper portion of said terminal body (21), are connected to each other by means of a connection portion (21"), and at a lower portion of said terminal body (21), they delimit a passage opening traversed by said elongated arm (8).

14. Method for installing a cantilever slidable carriage for a gate according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the following operative steps:

- a step for anchoring said support base (2) onto the ground;

- a step for arranging said engagement elements (4) on said support base (2);

characterized in that it comprises a step for adjusting the distance between said engagement elements (4) along said extension direction (Y),
wherein in said adjustment step:

- said engagement element (4) is positioned in a selected among said fixing positions of said adjustment means (6),

- subsequently, said engagement element (4) is fixed to said support base (2), along said extension direction (Y), in said selected fixing position in which the second end (17) of said elongated arm (8) is placed outside said guide (3) beyond the corresponding said end (19) of said guide (3).

Drawing